This is a GCSE course in Religious Studies. It is open to all, students with faith, students without faith, students who want to discuss philosophical and ethical issues about the world we live in.

The course provides an excellent opportunity to study two major world religions, Christianity, and Islam to allow you to study major world religions that are important in the UK today. There are also four thematic units that focus on issues that impact and influence the modern world. In the thematic unit you will study religious and non-religious viewpoints, so students will have the opportunity to express and debate their views on a wide number of issues.

The course develops students understanding and tolerance in our globalised world. It also focuses on key skills as they explore ethical and moral dilemmas that develop critical thinking skills so that students can advocate for a particular view while demonstrating tolerance of different viewpoints. You have to construct well-reasoned arguments on a range of religious and ethical issues, and the evaluation of a particular viewpoint is given considerable weighting in this course.

We follow the Eduqas programme of study. The examination for this course is also broken down into three different papers so this supports revision, and the question structures does not alter across the papers, so this can be useful to know for some students. It is 100% examination.

Leadership Link: Mr Hussain - t.hussain@kenstimpson.org.uk

We currently only offer Health and Social Care at Key Stage 4 and Post 16

Click here to see our Key Stage 4 Pathways course page

We offer the following courses in this area at Post 16:

See our full range of Post 16 courses here

KS3 Scheme of Learning and Assessment

In 2014 the government abolished National Curriculum Levels for KS3. Therefore, students in Key Stage 3 at Ken Stimpson Academy are assessed using a transitional model that allows students to progress from Key Stage 2 (Primary school) to Key Stage 4 (GCSE).

Each student has a target grade for the academic year in each subject which is derived from KS2 prior attainment. This target grade translates to one of the following descriptors:

• Beginning - I can demonstrate understanding by identifying, reducing and transforming key information
• Developing - I can demonstrate understanding by describing, deconstructing and deriving key information
• Securing - I can demonstrate understanding by explaining and categorising key information. I can practice recognising trends and patterns in data.
• Advancing - I can demonstrate understanding by analysing, prioritising, criticising and connecting key information. 
• Excelling - I can demonstrate understanding by evaluating and extending key information. I can use this to create new information.

Each subject has a specific scheme of learning and reflection every half term designed to allow students to be introduced to and practice the skills required for GCSE. Therefore, making progress at KS3 will allow students to significantly enhance their performance at KS4.

Students homework’s and assessments throughout the year will be assessed using the descriptors above. Additional subject specific comments will also be made to show students how to progress to the next level.